Many times throughout your Christian life, you will be faced with an instance that some may interpret the wrong way. They may think badly of a situation; maybe take something you said and twist it, and every intension you had was thrown out the window because of one word: Perception!
No matter what point we would like to get across, or what our intensions are; perception will always overshadow truth!
Let's take the example of 1 Samuel 17, the account of David vs Goliath. David had already been anointed King of Israel! In private, he had already killed a lion, and a bear! David was a man of war, and already proven in battle. But when the time came to face Goliath, a task perceived too tough for everyone else, David was looked upon as a boy. Just a lowly shepherd boy that came to see the big boys in a battle. The truth was that David was more than ready, and more than capable, because of his faith in the Lord, to take on Goliath. But the perception was still, "he's a boy!"
It wasn't until Goliath fell dead to the earth, David lifted his own sword, and took his head that people saw David as what he was; a leader, a man, and a King!
Now, let's look at the life of Jesus Christ! He was accused, yet He spoke not a word. He was grabbed and pushed and spit on, yet He lifted not a hand. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and God Himself was beaten, tortured, and crucified. He could have spoke one word and been delivered, yet for you, and me, "He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross!" (Phil 2:8)
The toughest lesson I have yet to learn is; there is truth, but how that truth is perceived is what will judge to outcome. How we react, will tell much more than what we can with our words. The truth of Christ is, that He is God, but perception is why there is a world still going to a devil's Hell. One day, we will stand before Him, and EVERY knee shall bow, and EVERY tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord! In the mean time, let's do our part to change the world's perception of Christians by living our lives to bring Him honor and glory!
Stephen Underwood
